Penrith again lacking against Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos have continued their record of not conceding a point in the second half all season, when they tonight defeated the Penrith Panthers 18-10 in front of 25, 263 people at Suncorp Stadium

The Broncos drew first blood, when a flying Alex Glenn dragged in a Wallace kick to score in the 3rd minute. Not to be outdone, Michael Gordon did some flying of his own, and then added in some juggling, as the Panthers responded with a try in the corner.

The Broncos looked certain to score in the 17th minute, but a rare mistake from captain Darren Lockyer saw him knock the ball on with a clear run to the tryline.

Instead, it was Penrith who scored next points, after a patient Kevin Kingston claimed a lovely pop pass offload from Adrian Purtell and dived over the line to score. Michael Gordon added the extras, and Penrith went to the break leading 10-6.

As it would be, a four point lead was simply not enough. Fumbles in goal from Coote and ill-discipline from Jennings did not help, but it was the Broncos defense that won them the game.

Two late penalty goals to Corey Parker improved the scoreline for the hometeam, but it was obvious the Broncos were too strong, defeating the Panthers 18 points to 10.

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to Suncorp Stadium this evening for the clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers. The Broncos come in to this came after winning their past two matches on the back of their solid defence. Penrith, on the other hand, despite a win against Parramatta in round 2, have looked anything but solid this season, conceding over 40 points in each of their losses.

News during the week that Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer will be retiring at the end of this season. For Penrith, Coach Elliot is again under fire for his team's less than desirable start to the season. According to Elliot, the Panthers are not yet panicking, however after a couple of heavy losses, some supporters do not share his composure.

It's an overcast evening here in Brisbane, however the field is in good condition. Play to begin shortly.
2 min: Brisbane seem to be on top early in the half. Penrith can't seem to get the ball, and Brisbane are causing a lot of damage.
3 min: TRY Looking more like a winger than a second rower, Alex Glenn proves he can jump, leaping onto a kick from Wallace to score untouched. Corey Parker adds the extras, and the scoreline now accurately represents the start to this game.Brisbane Broncos 6-0
9 min: TRY Not to be outdone, Penrith respond through 'Flash' Gordon, scoring off a kick in the corner. Penrith fans had their hearts in their mouths from the second the kick went up, as Gordon juggled the ball until the moment he scored the try. Gordon fails to convert his own try.Brisbane Broncos 6-4
17 min: Perhaps the pressure of the occasion has gotten to Darren Lockyer. Brisbane look certain to score after Hodges draws the fullback and passes to Lockyer in open space, but Lockyer knocks on cold - an uncharacteristic mistake for the Brisbane captain.
25 min: We're going to the video referee here, as Penrith look to have scored through Jennings. A Penrith kick went high, and although Waterhouse failed to catch it cleanly, he managed to knock it to Jennings. At least three Brisbane players were caught napping, standing around watching as Jennings swooped on the loose ball and ran unopposed to the tryline.

Video Referee's decision pending.... NO TRY
33 min: TRY Adrian Purtell does well to keep his upper body free in a two man tackle, with a neat pop pass hitting Kevin Kingston on the chest. Kingston is rewarded for his backing up by touching down for his first try of the season.

Michael Gordon converts, and the Panthers take the lead.Penrith Panthers 10-6
40 min: HALF TIME:
Not an entirely expected result at the half, with Penrith going to the break leading 10 points to 6. Having the lead at half time was vitally important for the Panthers, and the Broncos have not conceded a second half try all season.

No injuries to report on.
41 min: Brisbane have started this half just as they started the first. Strong.
43 min: Possible try! A sweeping backline movement, and some effective decoy running has seen the Broncos send Jack Reed over in the corner. We're going to the video ref to check that he has stayed in the field of play. On first glance it will be a miracle if this is given a try.

Video referee's decision... NO TRY. On reply, Reed's left hand blatantly touches the ground before the ball dots down. Still a fine effort for the young centre.
50 min: TRY Some more brilliant support play from the Broncos sees Gerard Beale cross in the right hand corner. After choosing to run the ball on the last, Wallace passes long for Hodges, who offloads for Te'o, who then turns the ball back inside for Beale supporting on his inside.10 all
53 min: Coote fumbles the ball inside his own in goal area, and the Broncos are gifted an attacking opportunity right on the Penrith tryline.
54 min: TRY Perhaps looking to make amends for his own mistake in the first half, Lockyer puts in a perfectly weighted kick for Jharal Yow Yeh to score. To the naked eye, it looked like Yow Yeh knocked on, however Video Referee Steve Clark has given the try. Lockyer really showed his class with that kick. Perfect depth, perfect bounce, and it looked like he had all the time in the world to put it to his boot. Rare class.Brisbane Broncos 14-10
61 min: We're heading to the video referee once again, for a possible second Yow Yeh try.

NO TRY.
67 min: PENALTY GOAL Corey Parker extends his team's lead to 6 points, as he kicks a penalty goal from almost straight in front.Brisbane Broncos 16-10
74 min: PENALTY GOAL Ill-discipline from Michael Jennings this time, possibly some frustration showing through. Jennings is penalised for holding down too long in the tackle, and Corey Parker again extends his team's lead from just right of the uprights.Brisbane Broncos 18-10
80 min: The Broncos keep their impressive defensive record in the second half intact. So far this season the Broncos have not conceded a point after the half time siren.

For the Panthers, although their performance was improved, it was likely not enough for Elliot to feel any sort of security.